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1995 F1 GTR

Background

The McLaren F1 GTR chassis F1/01R claimed overall victory at the 1995 Le Mans 24 hours endurance race on its debut and remains the only car to achieve this.

It was perhaps inevitable, given not just McLaren’s whole raison d’être but also Gordon Murray’s professional background and expertise that the F1 would be eventually taken to the race track. Customers were asking for a racing version, and as the 1995 GT season drew nearer, the number of requests began to climb and an agreement was reached to develop a customer racing programme resulting in McLaren F1 GTR.

The McLaren F1 GTR was only slightly modified from the standard road going model and secured its place in motorsport history by achieving a resounding victory on its Le Mans debut in 1995, in what is still widely regarded as the world’s greatest race. During the race, the weather was appalling – it rained for 16 out of 24 hours – but the McLarens rose to the challenge, despite never having been raced before in the wet.

The fact that the McLaren F1 GTR went on to win the famed endurance classic at the first attempt underlined the integrity of the original design. Seven GTRs participated in 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, four others finishing third, fourth, fifth and 13th.

With this victory, McLaren became the only racing team to have ever won the Formula 1™, Indy 500, Can-Am and Le Mans championships.

Year

1995

Chassis#

F1/01R

Notable Achievements

Victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995

Drivers

Y. Dalmas (FRA), J.J. Lehto (FIN), M. Sekiya (JPN)

Specification

Designer

Gordon Murray / Peter Stevens

Induction

TAG 3.12 ignition / injection

Examples Built

9

Transmission

Aluminium case transverse 6-speed, lsd

Type / Formula

Racecar

Body

Carbon fibre composite panels

Engine

BMW V12

Chassis

Carbon fibre reinforced composite monocoque

Cubic Capacity

6065 cc

Brakes

Outboard 15/14 in ventilated carbon discs

Power Output

600 bhp

Wheelbase

2718 mm (107’’)

Identifying Colour

Grey

Weight

1050 k (2315 lb)

Number

59

Wheels Diameter x Width (F/R)

18’’ x 10.85‘’ (F) / 18’’ x 13’’ (R)

1997 F1 GTR 'Longtail'

Background

The McLaren F1 Longtail achieved a crushing 1-2-3-4 victory at the opening race of 1997 FIA Championship and finished its last racing season on the frontline of the grid claiming 2nd and 3rd places overall.

With the BPR Championship having morphed into the FIA GT Championship in 1997, the homologation regulations changed and scratch-built racing cars were becoming the norm at the front of the grid. It was clear that McLaren would have to raise its game and was forced to give the F1 extensive modification in order to compete against cars which had been built as race cars in the first place.

The #41 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail F1/20R, driven by Pierre-Henri Raphanel, Jean-Marc Gounon and Anders Olofsson, returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1997 and claimed GT1 class victory and another podium finish overall for McLaren with a hard-fought second place.

Perhaps the best footnote to describe the philosophy of the 1997 GTR is to remember that, in 1998, Steve O’Rourke took his unmodified 1997 car back to Le Mans as a privateer and finished fourth overall against all the power and might of the big manufacturers’ works teams.

1970 M8D

Background

The McLaren M8D is inevitably remembered as the car in which Bruce McLaren died, but it gave his team one of its best years in Can-Am.

Rallying superbly after the tragedy, Dan Gurney was drafted in to replace Bruce and, in his first race with the team, qualified on pole position despite never having driven the car before. And he won.

McLaren went on to take nine wins from 10 rounds during the 1970 Can-Am season, and Denny Hulme his second title despite driving with his hands still bandaged after the fire at Indianapolis earlier in the season.

In the most trying circumstances, McLaren had pulled through. It had been shaken to the core; it was a tribute to the philosophy with which Bruce had imbued every member that they were able not just to carry on, but to keep winning.

Year

1970

Chassis

1

Notable Achievements:

Won nine out of 10 races in 1970 Can-Am season 1970 Can-Am Championship – D. Hulme

Drivers

P. Gethin (GBR), D. Gurney (USA), D. Hulme (NZL), B. McLaren (NZL)

Specification

Designer

Jo Marquart

Carburation

Lucas fuel injection

Examples Built

4

Transmission

Hewland LG500 4-speed

Type / Formula

Can-Am race car

Body

Monocoque sides, GRP body sections, integral wing

Engine

Chevrolet V8

Chassis

Aluminium sheet monocoque with steel builkheads

Cubic Capacity

7100-7600 cc

Brakes

Outboard 12in ventilated discs

Power Output

680 bhp

Wheelbase

2387 mm (94’’)

Identifying Colour

Papaya Orange

Weight

634 kg (1398 lb)

Number

5

Wheels Diameter x Width (F/R)

15’’ x 11’’ (F) / 15’’ x 16’’ (R)

1971 M8F

Background

The M8F enabled new McLaren driver Peter Revson to become the first North American to win his ‘home” Can-Am Championship in 1971 in, what proved to be, the last year of the team's domination in the series. Revson won five races to Hulme's three, and claimed the championship title with Hulme as runner-up.

The car's designer Gordon Coppuck created the strongest and wildest Can-Am McLaren thus far basing on the M8 construction – that throughout the series chalked up 32 wins in 27 races, 19 of them in succession.

Year

1971

Chassis

1

Notable Achievements:

Won eight out of 10 races in 1971 Can-Am season 1971 Can-Am championship – P. Revson

1974 M23

Background

The 1974 Formula 1™ season saw Emerson Fittipaldi driving the M23, and the Brazilian driver secured the McLaren team its first Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships. The outstanding combination of performance, predictable and controllable handling, superb preparation and reliability ensured the M23 left an indelible mark in the record books.

The car went into the 1975 season largely unchanged with the most significant mechanical development being new front suspension ensuring better front-end grip.

The M23 was also the last car Bruce McLaren’s former teammate, Denny Hulme, raced in Formula 1™. The New Zealander joined his countryman as reigning Formula 1™ World Champion, to race with the team in 1968.

1988 MP4/4

Background

The MP4-4 is widely considered as the best-ever Formula 1™ car from McLaren. Having completed just a handful of laps in the new 1988 MP4-4, Alain Prost reportedly told Ron Dennis that he knew the car would win the World Championship. Indeed, it won 15 out of 16 races, losing only Monza which many felt was a self-inflicted defeat after Ayrton Senna tripped over back marker Jean-Louis Schlesser’s Williams-Judd in the first chicane while leading the race.

By the end of the season, McLaren scored a phenomenal 199 points to claim the Constructor’s Championship; almost three times the tally of the next closest rival. In his first year with the team, Ayrton Senna secured the first of his three Driver’s Championship titles.

1998 MP4-13

Background

The MP4-13 secured the 1998 FIA Formula 1™ Constructor’s championship, and Finland’s Mika Häkkinen claimed the Driver’s Championship title. New season’s regulations meant that McLaren had to find the most beneficial way to comply with them and spent an incredible 12,000 man-hours finding new ways to recover the downforce which would otherwise have been sacrificed what resulted in an incredible package.

The engineers didn’t expect the car to be so competitive, at least until the car went to Barcelona and, after the first run was quicker than anyone else managed all week. Following the Suzuka GP, the car driven by Häkkinen had delivered a great victory, and with exactly 100 points handed McLaren its first World Championship since Ayrton Senna’s heyday. With one win of his own and six second-places David Coulthard finished the season in third place with 56 points, sufficient to give McLaren and the MP4-13 the Constructor’s title as well.

The MP4-13 also holds the record for the quickest time ever recorded up the Goodwood Hill. With an average speed of 100.385mph, the unbeaten 41.6 second run was set by Nick Heidfeld at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 1999.

2008 MP4-23

Background

McLaren MP4-23 is recognised for winning the 2008 Formula 1 ™ Drivers Championship with Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel, making him the youngest champion in Formula 1™ history at the age of just 23 years, 10 months and 26 days.

The car represented a substantial evolution of the MP4-22 and was a result of 14,000 man hours by 150 engineers assigned to the project from the outset when initial wind tunnel tests had taken place in late 2007. Although, it was visually similar to MP4-22, as the season progressed upgrades to the most aerodynamics surfaces endowed this championship winning car with its own clear identity.

The 2008 season title fight went to the final round in Brazil, with Lewis Hamilton arriving at the race with a seven-point lead. In one of the most dramatic finishes to a World Championship ever, Lewis took the title by a single point after securing fifth position on the final corner of the final lap of the final race of the season. Lewis finished the year with 98 points, one point ahead of Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, who won his home race.

Year/td>

2008

Chassis

2

Notable Achievements:

2008 FIA Formula 1™ Driver’s Championship – L. Hamilton

Drivers

L. Hamilton (GBR), H. Kovalainen (FIN)

Specification

Designer

McLaren Racing design team

Electronics

FIA Standard ECU (Microsoft MES)

Examples Built

6

Transmission

McLaren semi-auto sequential longitudinal 7-speed

Type / Formula

Formula 1™

Body

Carbon fibre single piece cockpit / engine cover & nose

Engine

Mercedes-Benz FO 108T V8

Chassis

Moulded carbon fibre / aluminium honeycomb composite

Cubic Capacity

2398 cc

Brakes

Outboard carbon fibre discs, Akebono calipers

Power Output

765 bhp

Wheelbase

3188 mm (125.5’’)

Identifying Colour

Chrome / Rocket Red

Weight

600 kg (1322 lb)

Number

22

Wheels Diameter x Width (F/R)

13’’ x 12’’ (F) / 12’’ x 13.7’’ (R)

2009 MP4-24

Background

Keen to defend the 2008 Drivers’ Championship title, the new MP4-24 shared the MP4-23’s extraordinary power unit. Designed to accommodate a series of new bodywork regulations, the challenger looked radical and was housing a battery of new technologies under the skin, including McLaren’s own highly sophisticated kinetic energy recovery system or KERS.

The KERS technology, which harvests energy during braking and releases it on demand, proved successful giving an 80hp boost when required and shaving up to half a second off per lap.

Development of the MP4-24 continued throughout the year, and improvements were made to the entire package as the season progressed. This resulted in Lewis Hamilton claiming victory in Hungary, the first Grand Prix win for a KERS-equipped Formula 1™ car, followed by victory around the streets of Singapore a few weeks later.

2012 12C GT Can-Am Edition

Background

The original McLaren Can-Am racers were campaigned by great names from motorsport history including Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, and are the inspiration for the 12C GT Can-Am Edition. This latest project from McLaren GT is the rawest, most track-focused model built by McLaren Group’s race car manufacturing arm, to-date. Like the cars with which it shares the famous motorsport badge, the 12C GT Can-Am Edition features a powerful V8 engine, with the new model fitted with an unrestricted version of the 3.8-litre twin-turbo powerplant in the 12C GT3. Further modifications over the race-winning 12C GT3 include an optimised aerodynamics package, to provide even greater levels of downforce, and a passenger seat, to allow the thrills of this latest track car to be shared.

The track-only 12C GT Can-Am Edition will be produced in strictly limited numbers, with no more than 30 being built globally. This exclusivity is fitting for the most powerful 12C produced to-date - a worthy tribute to the first McLaren model to wear the Can-Am name since 1972.

Year

2012

Specification

Drivetrain Layout

Longitudinal Mid-Engine, RWD

Dry Weight

1200 kg (2645 lb)

Engine Configuration

V8 Twin Turbo / 3799 cc

Aerodynamics

Unique track-focused aero set up optimised to increase 30% more downforce over 12C GT3

2013 12C GT Sprint

Background

McLaren 12C GT Sprint is a track-orientated model signifying the continued development of the 12C model, and bridges the gap between the 12C, itself fully accomplished on both road and track, and the all-out racing 12C GT3 and 12C GT Can-Edition models. It has been designed and developed by McLaren GT, the race car building arm of the McLaren Group, and retains many of the unique systems from the 12C road car, on which it is based.

Generating 625PS, the optimised 3.8-litre twin turbo engine has revised calibration and a unique engine oil system, and is coupled to a seven-speed twin clutch gearbox These enhancements ensure that the 12C GT Sprint retains the balanced and precise characteristics much praised in the road car, but offer a more track-derived balance on the limit.

Built around the lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, and with developments to systems such as ProActive Chassis Control, (PCC), Brake Steer and the McLaren Airbrake, the latest model from McLaren GT has been honed to deliver a more track-focused GT racing experience behind the wheel.

The 12C GT Sprint features optimised aerodynamic and cooling upgrades. At the front is a more aggressive front bumper from McLaren Special Operations (MSO), GT3-inspired bonnet air intakes and exit ducts and front wing louvres. Lowered by 25 mm, the 12C GT Sprint is fitted with track-focused braking system with carbon ceramic (CCM) brake discs. Tyre changes are made easier through an on-board air jacking system and centre-locking 19-inch OZ wheels, shod with Pirelli racing slick tyres.

Inside the cabin, the 12C GT Sprint is fitted with an FIA-approved rollcage and integrated fire extinguisher system. Two fully adjustable HANS-approved, lightweight carbon composite racing seats with full six-point harnesses provide the optimum driving position, while an air-conditioning system is retained, albeit a lightweight version, offering added comfort.

1996 F1 LM

Background

McLaren F1/XP1LM is the one-off prototype built ahead of the five production examples of McLaren F1 LM – each honouring one of the McLaren F1 GTRs that finished the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 in dominant fashion.

McLaren took the decision to mark this historic occasion with a limited-edition commemorative model. F1/XP1LM, along with three of the five production models, is finished in the historic Papaya Orange paintwork, in homage to the early Bruce McLaren racing cars.

The McLaren F1 LM was a more extreme version of the F1 road car, and even more than the GTR on which it was based. With a version of the race-spec 6.1-litre V12 BMW engine from the F1 GTR, but without any race restrictors, the F1 LM produces more power – 680bhp in total. The styling is heavily derived from the race-winning car, with the front bodywork and rear wing are based on those of the GTR, and full underbody ground effect with a Le Mans-inspired diffuser to optimise downforce. Weight-saving measures are extreme as well, with the F1 LM actually tipping the scales 60kg lighter than the race version.

In the summer of 1999 at RAF Alconbury in Cambridgeshire, with driver Andy Wallace behind the wheel, the McLaren F1 LM set a new record for acceleration and breaking travelling from zero to 100 mph and back to zero in just 11.5 seconds.

Quite an achievement for a car which, as Gordon Murray himself was frequently at pains to point out was never designed to break records.

Year

1996

Chassis

F1/XP1LM

Notable Achievements:

Built to honour the victory and five finishing cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Record for acceleration and braking (1999) from zero to 100 mph and back to zero in just 11.5 seconds.

Drivers

Andy Wallace

Specification

Designer

Gordon Murray

Induction

TAG 3.12 ignition/injection

Examples Built

5 (+1 prototype)

Transmission

Transverse 6-speed racing unit, lsd

Type / Formula

Road car

Body

Carbon fibre composite panels

Engine

BMW V12

Chassis

Carbon fibre reinforced composite monocoque

Cubic Capacity

6064 cc

Brakes

Outboard 13/12in ventilated carbon discs

Power Output

680 bhp

Wheelbase

2718 mm (107’’)

Identifying Colour

Papaya Orange

Weight

1062 kg (2341 lb)

Number

n/a

Wheels Diameter x Width (F/R)

18’’ x 10.85’’ (F) / 18’’ x 13’’ (R)

2011 12C

Background

The McLaren 12C was the first in a new range of high performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive. Designed and built like no other sports car, the 12C benefits from McLaren’s Formula 1 world championship-winning heritage, and has been developed by a world-class team of designers and engineers with hands-on Grand Prix experience.

Formula 1 technology includes the one-piece carbon fibre MonoCell chassis – for greater strength and lower weight – plus Brake Steer and an ‘active’ aerodynamics McLaren Airbrake (although these last two technologies have now been banned from Formula 1 as they offered performance advantages). The 12C uses technologies born on the track and the technologies and processes used in the development of the 12C are also borrowed from Formula 1 racing, not from normal car making.

The result is a car totally focused around the driver, offering class-leading all-round performance and the best efficiency in its class as standard.

For the 2013 Model Year, enhancements have been made to the 12C to improve performance and responsiveness. An increase in power by 25PS takes maximum output up to 625PS, while the seven-speed SSG transmission has been improved with a new calibration. These changes mean the 12C is even faster and more intuitive, but with no loss in efficiency. These latest upgrades are being offered to existing 12C owners as a complimentary package.

2013 12C Spider

Background

The McLaren 50 12C and McLaren 50 12C Spider are commemorative models produced to celebrate five decades race-winning heritage. Production will be strictly limited to a maximum of 100 globally, split between just 50 examples of the 12C and 50 of the 12C Spider and they will be available in one of three colours – Carbon Black, Supernova Silver or heritage McLaren Orange.

The McLaren 50 12C and 12C Spider feature a number of bespoke styling and specification enhancements that have been produced by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the division of McLaren Automotive responsible for the delivery of special projects, in conjunction with the McLaren Automotive design team led by Design Director, Frank Stephenson.

Revisions include a remodelled front bumper from MSO, which provides increased levels of front downforce and create more dynamic visual impact. Above the bumper, a black McLaren F1-inspired heritage badge, previously only available to MSO clients, is also fitted on the bonnet. As standard, the McLaren 50 12C and 12C Spider models are fitted with the carbon ceramic brake upgrade offering enhanced stopping power and sitting behind bespoke McLaren 50 Ultra Lightweight wheels finished in Satin Black that offer a combined 2kg weight saving.

Each of the McLaren 50 models will be presented with a monogrammed black and silver car cover, limited edition key, carbon fibre presentation key box and a specially commissioned print signed by McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson.

Year

2013

Notable:

A commemorative model built to celebrate five decades of race-winning heritage of McLaren

Specification

Drivetrain Layout

Longitudinal Mid-Engine, RWD

Dry Weight

1337 kg (3033 lb)

Engine Configuration

V8 Twin Turbo / 3799 cc

Active Aerodynanmics

McLaren Airbrake

Engine Material

Aluminium block & cylinder heads

Suspension

ProActive Chassis Control

PS / rpm

65 / 7500

ProActive Chassis Control

Normal / Sport / Track

Torque Nm / rpm

600 / 3000 – 7000

Powertrain Modes

Winter / Normal / Sport / Track

Gearbox

7 Speed SSG

Brakes

Carbon Ceramic Brake Upgrade (F 394mm / R 358mm)

Wheelbase (mm)

2670

Tyres (F/R)

Pirelli P Zero™ 235/35 R19 Pirelli P Zero™ 305/30 R20

2013 MSO 12C

Background

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) creates exclusive custom designs and bespoke one-off projects to meet the exact requirements of our customers. It grew out of a secret unit that built the seminal McLaren F1, where each car was effectively a personal commission for the customer.

Approximately 20 percent of cars leaving the McLaren Production Centre in Woking feature some degree of MSO personalisation. Although there is little need to alter the already outstanding dynamics of the McLaren 12C, the addition of aerodynamic upgrade trim parts can offer improved performance, tailoring the car to customer’s driving style and specifications.

The MSO options featured on this car include several track focused and GT-inspired design upgrades, including a full interior track pack. This includes a customised rollcage and racing seats with full five-point harnesses. Further enhancements include weight-saving through the extensive use of carbon fibre. Furthermore, the remodelled front bumper from MSO provides increased levels of front downforce and creates a more dynamic visual impact

2013 McLaren P1

Background

The McLaren P1™ was designed and constructed with one simple goal – to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track. To achieve this objective, McLaren used all of its 50 years of racing experience and success, especially in the fields of aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fibre technology.

The result is a car featuring a highly efficient 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, coupled to a low-weight highly efficient electric motor which gives tremendous power and instant throttle response and, combined, generates 916PS (903 hp) and 900 Nm of torque. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph), with the 0-100 km/h standing start acceleration taking less than three seconds .The McLaren P1™ will power from rest to 200 km/h in less than seven seconds, and on to 300 km/h in less than 17 seconds – a full five seconds quicker than the McLaren F1.

Distillation of cutting-edge Formula 1 technology and 50 years of racing experience – the culmination of everything McLaren has ever done.

Aero-led design produces more downforce than any other production road car

Active ride height, and aerodynamics work with large adjustable rear wing to give ground effect suction and optimised downforce

Carbon fibre MonoCage chassis is one of the lightest full-body structures used in any road car to date, weighing 90kg. This weight includes the roof and lower structures, roof snorkel, engine air intake cavity, battery and power electronics housing

To maintain exclusivity, production will be strictly limited to 375 units

The goal for the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is to achieve a sub-7 minute laptime